40 incredible eco-hotels to visit before you die

1. Misool Eco Resort (Raja Ampat, Indonesia)

Misool Eco Resort sits within the 46,000km² Raja Ampat Shark and Manta Sanctuary, and contributes to 9 community and conservation projects in the region. (via, via, via)

2. Treehotel (Harads, Sweden)

The treehouses of Sweden’s Treehotel can be found in the middle of the forest, but their contemporary designs aren’t exactly reminiscent of your childhood treehouse. And with water-efficient sinks, combustion toilets, and low-energy LED lighting, the Treehotel is more eco-friendly than most. (via, via, via, via)

3. Desa Atas Awan (Desa Bangli, Bali)

An eco-boutique an hour northwest of Ubud, Desa Atas Awan (meaning Village Above the Clouds) was designed by a local architect. The hotel supports “responsible travel” to nearby areas as a way of conserving the environment and improving the local economy. (via, via)

4. Park Hyatt Maldives Hadahaa (Hadahaa, Maldives)

Named 2013’s “Best Sustainable Hotel in Asia Pacific” in the International Hotel Awards, Park Hyatt Maldives Hadahaa is celebrated for its conservationist efforts, as well as unreal snorkeling and diving opportunities just seconds from the overwater bungalows. (via, via, via)

5. ION Luxury Adventure Hotel (Selfoss, Iceland)

Less than an hour from Iceland’s capital, ION Luxury Adventure Hotel was given a nod in the sustainability category of the Boutique Hotel Awards. It’s not a terrible place to watch the aurora borealis from, either. (via, via, via)

6. Soneva Kiri (Ko Kut, Thailand)

In 2011, Soneva Kiri was recognized as the “World’s Leading Eco-Resort and Spa” by the World Travel Awards. The resort’s 35 poolside villas were built with sustainable materials, and Soneva Kiri makes efforts to recycle waste, conserve water, grow organic products, and preserve the local environment and marine life. (via, via, via, via)

7. Thon Hotel EU (Brussels, Belgium)

Part of a chain, the Thon Hotel EU in Brussels may not give off the eco-friendly look, but it donates all of its unused shampoos, holds its own blood donation days, and even has a We-bike to convert human power into electricity, helping charge laptops and mobile phones. (via, via, via)

9. Lion Sands Game Reserve

Comprising several eco-friendly lodges, Lion Sands Game Reserve is home to the popular Chalkley Treehouse. You won’t be emitting much carbon while staying in the famous structure — all you’ll have access to are torches, lanterns, a two-way radio, and insect repellent. (via, via, via, via)

10. The Park Hotel Hyderabad (Hyderabad, India)

With over 250 rooms, it might surprise you to see the Park Hyderabad on this list. However, in 2011 the hotel was given LEED’s Gold status due to its efforts towards using recycled building materials, lowering carbon emissions, making energy savings, and improving water efficiency. The hotel design minimizes heat gain and makes exemplary use of natural light. (via, via, via)

11. Hoshinoya Karuizawa (Karuizawa, Japan)

By using three hydro-generators, Hoshinoya Karuizawa is an impressive resort that’s considered to be 75% energy-independent. Geothermal heat harnessed from the hot springs heats the property, and the hotel also composts food waste and trades vegetables with suppliers. (via, via, via)

12. Giraffe Manor (Nairobi, Kenya)

As the name suggests, Giraffe Manor has some unusual permanent residents. The Safari Collection property teams up with Ewaso Lions and the Mara Cheetah Project to push awareness and wildlife conservation efforts in the area. (via, via)

13. Toad Hall Vacation Villa (Virgin Gorda, British Virgin Islands)

An “eco-sensitive villa” on Virgin Gorda, Toad Hall Vacation Villa has just three bedrooms. It’s rented out as one complete building, so book in advance to enjoy those morning views of Drake’s Passage. (via, via, via)

14. Kasbah du Toubkal (High Atlas Mountains, Morocco)

Located in Toubkal National Park, Kasbah du Toubkal has been a finalist in the “Best Accommodation for the Environment” category in the Virgin Holidays Responsible Tourism Awards. (via, via, via)

15. Daintree Eco Lodge & Spa (Queensland, Australia)

A 16-acre eco-resort, Daintree Eco Lodge & Spa is located in one of the world’s oldest rainforests. Ninety minutes from Cairns, its 15 villas sit high in the trees, and the hotel’s design has won several awards. (via, via)

16. Grumeti Migration Camp (Serengeti, Tanzania)

Based in the Grumeti Game Reserve, near Serengeti National Park, Grumeti Migration Camp is an eco-lodge where the key philosophy is sustainable travel and “active conservation of the natural habitat.” The camp makes as much use of solar and wind power as possible, and is working towards sustainable practices in all other aspects of its operation. (via, via)

17. Museumotel (Raon-l’Étape, France)

Designed in 1966 by architect Pascal Hausermann, the unique Museumotel makes use of concrete veils and layers of thermal insulation in order to keep the hotel temperate at all times, regardless of outside temperatures. Each “bubble” has a different theme, making it even more enticing to return to the hotel year after year. (via, via, via)

18. Best Western Premier: The Haven (Ipoh, Malaysia)

19. Jicaro Island Ecolodge (Granada, Nicaragua)

Jicaro Island Ecolodge was built with sustainability in its sights. The hotel only uses filtered water, heated by solar panels. You’ll also find energy-efficient lighting throughout the ecolodge, and the property has its own wastewater treatment plant. (via, via, via)

An eco-friendly contemporary hotel, Tierra Patagonia Hotel & Spa is based in one of the southernmost destinations in the world (barring Antarctica, of course). The hotel’s 40 rooms may not have television or internet, but they do contain thermal glass to keep the rooms warm at all times. (via, via)

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